#Cosmetic Mixing Machine

[susiekern]

on ice - Sukuna x fem!reader

a/n: Guess who's back with something other than The Fallen... me, hi. Since I've been in a bad slumber lately I finally edited the Sukuna piece I wrote in november probably mixing my hyperfixation on jjk and hockey

general: modern au

warnings: swearing, suggestive language, Sukuna probably ooc but idc, Naoya probably deserves his own warning

word count: 4.191

There’s soft music playing in the bathroom as you go through your morning routine. Wash your face, put on skincare, have a few sips of coffee, apply makeup, and then curl your hair. It’s peaceful and relaxing almost.

Barely 6:30 am on the clock, and you’re almost ready to head out. After curling the last strand with the straightener, you take another sip from the pretty ceramic mug that’s been waiting patiently on the counter and clean up the little mess you’ve created getting ready. With all of the cosmetics and hair tools in place, you grab the mug and small Bluetooth speaker, taking them with you to the bedroom for your final and hardest task of this morning. Getting the 6’2 tall hockey player out of bed. Every time, you find it amusing how the sounds of you making the coffee or even the music you always put on don’t wake him up. It’s like he’s hibernating and won’t wake up on his own until the spring comes. Actually, when you think about it, the 210-pound clump of muscles, under the giant duvet, kind of reminds you of a bear in its cave.

“Kuna, get up; we need to leave soon.”

You place your mug on the nightstand and sit on the edge of the bed, leaning over his sleeping body. Your voice is not much louder than a whisper, but after doing it so many times, you know it’s enough to wake him up. He’s able to sleep through 5 alarms, but as soon as you whisper “Kuna”, he’s out of sleep slumber in seconds, like he has some kind of y/n radar. A bit funny, but mostly adorable. A soft smile pulls on your lips when his brows slightly furrow, and he wraps one strong arm around your figure. With one pull, you’re lying flat on the mattress, half of your body under his weight, his head nuzzling in the crook of your arm and neck. There’s a grunt coming from his throat as he breathes in your perfume, and the arm that’s around your waist brings you even closer, if that’s possible.

“Kuna, seriously, we’ll be late.” You try again, even though your fingers instinctively tangle in his pink strands that softly tingle your cheek.

“Let’s stay in today. It’s not like we have anything important to do.” Sukuna murmurs in your neck, and you can’t help but laugh at his words.

“Oh, right, Mister Team Captain. How stupid of me to think your training, game, and my presentation are important enough for us to leave the bed.”

“Exactly.” He nods and sighs after a few seconds. Giving your neck a small kiss, he pulls himself up to sit and stretch his arms. “I fucking hate it when you’re right.”

“So, always?” Teasing a little, you admire the view. All of the hours he spends at the gym and on ice pay off because just the sight of his upper body muscles stretching makes you almost drool on the bedsheet. Every time you see him shirtless, there’s a strong urge in your brain to bite into his pecs and/or abs. And you did it before, many times. “On second thought, maybe I should drop out, you leave the team to Yuji, and we stay here forever?”

“As much as I like how that sounds, I have to decline the offer.” It’s Sukuna’s turn to laugh. He leans in to give you a quick kiss and gets up. Giving you one last smirk before he locks himself in the bathroom. “Besides, you’ve already got yourself all dolled up; we can’t let that go to waste. Right, doll?”

With a deep sigh, you move up too, following another step in your routine. Teasing by Sukuna? Check. His breakfast protein shake and coffee? Work in progress. You’re standing in front of the coffee machine, preparing his usual double espresso with one teaspoon of sugar, when he walks in and wraps his arms around your waist, resting his chin on your shoulder.

“Your shake is on the island, and coffee is almost ready.” One of your hands rests on his forearm as you lean back into his chest. Not sure how, but Sukuna is like a walking heater; his body temperature is always a bit higher than it probably should be. That makes him a perfect sleeping partner for cold winter nights, or for someone who’s always freezing, every night.

“God, I don’t tell you how amazing you are nearly often enough.” The man sighs and, using one of his giant hands, turns your head by the chin to kiss you. You smile but pull away as soon as he bites your bottom lip. It’s either stand back now or be late for everything, because if his tongue makes it in, there’s no way he’s letting you go with just kissing.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m perfect, I know. Now drink and get ready, because Yaga will kill you if you’re late again.” With one last peck, you leave him alone to get fully dressed in the bedroom and finish your own coffee.

“You’re staying at mine after the game?”

15 minutes later you’re both in Sukuna’s jeep as he drives towards the campus, and you go through the notes for the presentation one more time. His warm hand is on your thigh, thumb caressing in circles.

“You just assume I’ll be at the game, huh?” He squeezes your leg lightly as a warning not to play with him. At least not that early in the morning.

“I can’t play without my lucky charm, can I? We can go to yours, but I doubt that Shoko would appreciate it.”

“You always say that.”

“Yeah, ‘cause I have better things to do in the morning than listening to ‘my sleep schedule is fucked and you fuck it up even more with your mating sounds of a feral rabbit’ lecture again. You, for example.” You roll your eyes but nod and flip the page in the notebook. The rest of the drive is silent; you focus on your notes, and Sukuna decides not to interrupt but keeps his hand on you for the whole time. When he stops in front of your faculty building, you grab your bag and turn to him. “So, I’ll see you at the rink…?”

You’re not sure if that’s a question or a statement, and honestly, Sukuna’s not sure either.

“Yeah, boys would kill me if their captain sucks, because his ‘charm’ is not there.”

“Are you really still doing that weird thing with Sukuna?” A few hours and a presentation later, you’re sitting in the cafeteria with your friend Yuki, sipping another coffee.

“What weird thing?” You ask, not sure what she means.

“Relationship without an actual relationship, duh.”

Okay, here’s a thing. Or to be fair, there isn’t. Because you and Sukuna aren’t together, at least not officially. You are together most times, sure, but you haven’t put a label on it so far, and there’s no forecast of it changing anytime soon.

You met him over a year ago, when your good friend and his cousin, Choso, introduced you at the party, and you kind of clicked from the first moment. You were intrigued by his ‘I don’t care about anything’ image, and obviously, he’s attractive as fuck. And you caught his interest when his attempts at flirting with you were laughed at. After that night he got your number from Choso, asked you out for a coffee, then for a drink, his game, a movie, and suddenly one day you’re being introduced as his friend. And it was PG-friendly for the first few months. Sure, there was teasing and flirting for fun, but you never went further than cuddling while watching a movie. You both appreciated what you had and didn’t want to fuck it up by… fucking. It’d mean crossing the invisible line that was drawn at the beginning of your friendship.

Until you did cross it. The hockey team had an important game that even Sukuna was nervous about, and you were probably the only person who knew how not to make it worse. Even scolding your mutual friends for violating his space when he just needed some silence and peace, not 100 texts from everyone. And then you showed up at the arena wearing his jersey and a smile that somehow calmed his nerves as soon as he saw it. That’s why when, after the victorious game, you offered to drive Sukuna home so he could get ready for the after-party, and you were still in his jersey, with his name on the back, sprawled in his bed, waiting ‘till he got out of the shower? He was all over you in no time. There was no awkwardness, no regrets after, and no weird moments you’d experience during the first time with someone new. It felt natural, like you’ve done it a million times before. It felt right. Safe to say, you didn’t make it to the party, too absorbed with each other.

And ever since, you’ve been in this… weird state. You’re not together, but neither of you has even looked at someone else since your first night; you spend most nights at his or your place, and you know each other's schedules and routines. Hell, you even have your own for shared evenings and mornings now. At this point, almost half of your closet is in his apartment, and after the first month of going back and forth, Sukuna secretly took photos of your cosmetics to get you a set for his place so you wouldn’t leave him early in the morning.

All of your friends just assumed one day you’d randomly make it official, seeing how deep you fell for one another. Honestly, at first, you thought so too. That maybe after a few weeks, one of you would start that ‘what are we’ conversation.

But you know Sukuna’s not a relationship type of guy, and you don’t want to risk losing what you have for a dumb label. Even if it hurts like hell every time you tell people you’re ‘just friends.’

“We’re just having fun, Yuki.” Your answer is not the one she was hoping for, but it’s the one she expected.

“You’ll hurt yourself, babe. And I’ll be the first to tell you ‘told ya.’ Then we’ll buy cheap wine and drink from the bottle, watching some shitty rom-coms.” She sighs when you smile at her and turn your attention to your phone when it pings on the table. She doesn’t need to check to know you’re texting Sukuna, because who else would you reply immediately to? “Dumb, dumb girl.”

It’s almost time for the game, and the arena is buzzing, full of excited people. Your team is playing against their main competition for the playoffs, and every time they meet on the ice, it’s intense and brutal. And people can’t wait to see it tonight. You’re standing with Choso, Yuki, and Nobara, Sukuna’s brother’s friend, in the no-civilians zone, one of the perks of being close to the captain. Your conversation is cut short when the enemy team makes their way in. Funny enough, you know at least half of them from high school, since you’ve only moved here when you’ve started college.

“Well, well, isn’t that y/n y/l?” Hearing a familiar voice, you turn around and smile lightly. “Shit, it’s actually you.”

“Hi, Naoya. It’s been a while.” The blonde man smiles back and pulls you into a hug. You and Naoya were friends when you were still in middle and high school, meeting young when your families were doing some business together. For some time you even dated, but that ended up pretty quick when you decided to leave the town. Many said that Naoya was shady; you’ve heard about him a few times in the last two years, about how he changed, more and more similar to his father, the biggest asshole you’ve ever met.

“Year or two, yeah. How are you?” He asks when you separate after a moment and looks you up and down. “Looking good as always.”

“Stop, gosh. You don’t look bad yourself. Keeping the hair longer now?” You ruffle the stands a little, and he scoffs, pushing your hand away.

“Quit it, woman. It’s already messy without your help.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m good, thanks. Studying business, so a little busy, but…”

“Too busy to grab a coffee with an old friend tomorrow?” He interrupts. “I really missed having you around, and I’d love to catch up. So what do you say, y/n?”

You don’t even get to answer, ‘cause a second after his question, there’s a tattooed arm over your shoulder, and you feel the warmth you know so well.

“She’s busy. So quit it, Zenin.” You look up at Sukuna and almost shiver. His face is like a stone, jaw tense, and if looks could kill, Naoya would be reduced to ash already.

“And since when are you a guard dog?” The blonde man snorts but looks between you with the tiniest specks of confusion and much more annoyance. Just now he notices that you’re wearing a jersey with a proud C on your chest, and it doesn’t take a genius to guess it says “Sukuna” on your back. “Well, I’ll be damned.”

“Naoya, let’s go!” One of his teammates yells at him, but his gaze is still stuck on you.

“Think about it, princess. For old time’s sake. You have my number.” With that, he winks and turns to join his team.

“What the hell, Kuna?” You move from under the tattooed arm and cross your own on your chest. “What was that?”

“What was what?” The man in front of you furrows his brows and checks the time on his phone. “We’ll talk about it later if you want, but I have to go get ready.” He says, but stays right there, looking at you expectantly. You scoff and lift your chin up a little.

“Need something?”

He does, and you both know it. Before each game, he finds you to collect his good luck kiss(es), since the one time you did that jokingly, he scored 5 points on his own that evening. Now it’s a must-have, and if they have a game away, he’ll collect it right before he has to leave.

“Doll, don’t be a brat. Told you we’ll talk about it at home.” He sighs, and you roll your eyes, trying to hide the fact your heart went mad. Home. Not my or your place, home. What the hell?

“Fine, grumpy. Only because I want you all to win; I hate to see Yuji sad.” You take a step closer, and Sukuna leans down a little so you can reach his face and cradle it in your hands. One kiss on the forehead (that Sukuna cringes about), one on the lips. However, it’s never just one. You hold back a moan that tries to slip out when he pulls you closer by the waist and deepens the kiss, his tongue making its way into your mouth.

“Suku—oh, shit, sorry.”

You pull away, hearing Yuji’s embarrassed voice from behind you. Sukuna’s younger brother stands in the locker room’s doorway, holding the door with one hand, the second scratching his neck nervously, not used to seeing his brother in situations like this.

“I’m coming, Yuji, chill out.” The older one says his way and looks back at you. “Wait for me after the game, doll.”

“Yeah, okay.” You simply nod and watch his back as he disappears with his brother. Only then does a deep sigh leave your lips before you go to find your friends on the bleachers, guessing they left during your conversation with Naoya. What a mess.

You can barely sit still throughout the game. Being at almost every one, since meeting Sukuna, you got used to seeing aggression on ice. But this? This is a new level.

Both teams went through almost every player they had, penalties were thrown left and right, and at one point you were sure that the guy named Todo missed his destiny and should try MMA instead of hockey, ‘cause what the fuck.

Somehow your team managed to score three points in all of that chaos, two on the power play and the third with pure luck, but it counts. Which made their opponents even more bloodthirsty with only one period to go and 3:1 on the table. That’s also why Geto gets the meanest elbow to his sternum, Toji, your goon gets thrown into a wall by Todo (you worry for a second that the wall would break with how hard that was), Yuji gets tripped and run into and ends up with an actual deep cut from this asshole’s skate on his leg.

There are 7 minutes left on the clock when Sukuna goes against Naoya in a face-off. So far he was calm, surprisingly, seeing as his brother had to be taken to the medical room, and there were barely any emotions on his face. Until Naoya starts talking. He says maybe two sentences before Sukuna drops his stick and pins him to the ground with actual murder intentions in every single one of his punches.

You’re on your feet, as close to the wall as you can, and you swear your heart stops when Naoya manages to land a few punches too. It takes four players to pull Sukuna away from him, and before he skates straight to the penalty box, knowing very well he’ll probably stay there until the end of the game, he spits a mix of saliva and blood, landing it mere centimeters from Zenin’s face.

“What the fuck did he say?” Choso wonders, as you all watch how Naoya’s teammates almost scrape him from the ice.

“I’ll take a wild guess and bet it involved y/n.” You hate how you have to agree with Yuki. But what could he say to flip the murder switch in Sukuna?

The team won, but no one is really in a celebratory mood. Yuki and Choso wait with you outside of the arena, but as soon as they see Sukuna, they leave, not wanting to piss him off anymore. You take a look at him and sigh, taking in damp hair, a busted brow, and bruised knuckles that took damage even through the gloves.

The silence seems ironically loud as you drive the car to his apartment, but neither decides to break it before you get there. Only when you get inside does Sukuna drop his duffel bag onto the floor and lean his hips on the kitchen island, that you decide to speak, not sure where to start.

“Why?”

“You have to be more specific, doll. Why what?” He sighs and crosses his arms on his chest, fingers tapping on one bicep, a nervous habit of his and the only sign he was actually stressed about this conversation.

“Cut the bullshit, Ryomen.” Well, that got a reaction. You’ve never before called him by his actual name; hell, you weren’t sure if anyone ever used it before. Even his brother and cousin called him just Sukuna. Not letting his stare intimidate you, you keep talking. “You know exactly what I’m asking about. But do you want to hear it? Sure. Why did you try to scare Naoya off before the game, and why did you beat him later?”

“I wasn’t trying to scare him off.” He starts, and you can’t help but roll your eyes.

“Please, I’ve known you long enough to know your ‘look at how big and dangerous I am’ stance.”

“Will you fucking let me talk?” There’s annoyance in Sukuna’s raised voice after you interrupt him. “You want to be right so badly? Fine. I was fucking jealous. And yeah, I acted like a damn guard dog.” He admits and pinches the bridge of his nose with two fingers. For a few seconds, he stays silent, and you furrow your brows.

“But why, for the love of god? And is talking to me a good enough reason to almost kill a guy?!”

“This guy is one of the shittiest people I’ve ever met, and your history with him doesn’t fucking change that!” He’s standing straight now, every muscle in his body tense, and he looks like he’s about to punch something to release some of it. “Still, no, that’s not a good enough reason. But this fucker is talking shit about my girl, how he’s going to ‘ruin your pretty body again’ and how he misses how easily you bruise ‘cause he can mark you, is.”

“W-what?” Sukuna is taking deep breaths to calm himself down while you try to process what he just said. ‘My girl,’ ‘ruin your pretty body again’…

“That’s fucking why, y/n. I don’t care that you’ve slept with this fucker in the past. But if he ever tries to touch you when you’re mine, I’ll rip his damn arms off. And I won’t fucking regret it for even a second.”

“Mine?” You ask quietly, looking into his crimson eyes like they alone could give you answers to so many questions you have right now. At the same time, you can’t put the words together to even ask one.

“Yeah. Mine.” Sukuna nods and takes a step closer.

“Since fucking when? And don’t tell me you’ve just decided, ‘cause if that’s just your stupid testosterone ass talking, I might actually punch you.” You groan and rub your temples, feeling overwhelmed.

First, your ex-(boy)friend turns out to be an ass; now your current (boy)friend has an enlightenment moment about your relationship? What’s next? Yuki goes to the church? Choso wears colors?

“Of course not, who do you think I am, doll?” He looks actually offended, and a part of you wants to laugh. “You’ve been mine since the first time you’ve put on my jersey. I thought that was obvious?”

And you’re laughing.

“What the actual fuck, Kuna? That was like eight months ago. You’ve never thought that I don’t know, we should maybe fucking talk about it? Like adults do?”

“You clearly have a mouth that I know can do a lot more than talking. Why didn’t you say anything either?” You brush away the hair that fell onto your face during the laughing fit and sigh.

“Because you’re the Ryomen Sukuna. You’ve been here only a year longer than me, and you’ve already had a reputation when we met. The first thing I learned about you, other than your name, was that you don’t do relationships.” Either you’re losing your mind or Sukuna is nervous. No, he’s definitely nervous, biting his cheek from the inside.

“I’ve been ‘doing a relationship’ with you for almost a year now, y/n. Yeah, okay, we should’ve talked about it, but I thought I was pretty clear with… my actions, for example? Damn it, woman. We cuddle! I can count on one hand how many people I’ve cuddled with.” You bite your lip to stop the laugh that’s trying to escape because Sukuna, THE Sukuna, always so calm and stoic, is gesticulating. “What’s so fucking funny?”

“It’s just… I haven’t seen you this emotional about anything ever, I think.” Hearing that, he’s back to crossing his arms and furrowing brows at you.

“Sure, laugh at your man being emotional. That’s called a stereotype, and it’s hurtful, doll.” He has a point, obviously, but there’s a soft smile on his lips, and you can only focus on one thing he said.

“My man?” You take a step towards him and lean your head back a little to maintain eye contact.

“Um, yeah? That comes in a pack, doesn’t it? If you’re mine, then I’m yours, y/n. I’m not into polygamy.” Sukuna sighs for the nth time tonight and moves his hands to your hips finally. He can almost feel how just touching you soothes his nerves.

“Say that again.” You whisper, resting your palms on his chest, the warmth of his skin spreading throughout your body, even if you only feel it through the t-shirt material.

“I’m yours, weirdo. I’ve been for a long time now.” As amused as Sukuna is about your reaction, he finds that wide smile on your face adorable.

“Damn, you’re actually serious. And all it took was an idiot talking shit about me? Wild.” You can’t help but laugh and shake your head a little at how stupid this situation is.

“I’m kind of opening my heart to you, and you bring up this fucker again? Seriously?”

“Sorry.” You take a deep breath in and caress his cheek with your thumb, careful about the bruise that’s forming around his brow and cheekbone. “So I can actually tell people that you’re my boyfriend now?”

“You haven’t before? Wait, what have you been telling people?”

“Um… that were really good friends? You?”

“Everyone knows you’re my girl, doll. I didn’t even have to say it. But I did, just to be clear, you know.”

“So half of this campus knew we were together before me? So romantic.”

[innerfare]

Random Kid Headcanons 

Summary: A random collection of Sir Crocodile headcanons

CW: None // SFW

———

Jams to music in his workshop. Most of the time, it’s metal. Likes pop music; would rather die than admit it. Sometimes, being on the Victoria Punk feels like being in a musical. Drums with his eating utensils at meal times. Has diverted course because he heard about a rock concert on a different island than the one his crew was initially headed for. 

Pretty messy, TBH. Always has clothes strewn around his room, can never tell which ones are clean and which ones are dirty. Everything he owns has some sort of oil, grease, or lipstick stain on it. Also has lots of holes in his clothes, claims it’s grunge but really he’s just too lazy to mend them or doesn’t feel like buying replacements. 

Drinks milk, orange juice, etc. straight out of the carton and puts it back in the fridge. Also dips his grimy hands into chip and trail mix bags. And if he’s cutting bread for a sandwich, he’ll do it directly on the counter; brushes his crumbs on the floor after. 

Has used a steel scouring pad to get dried blood and oil off his skin before, and regularly uses dish soap to wash his hair. Thinks dishwasher soap and dish soap are the same thing, and that they’re the same thing as hand soap. Doesn’t know what fabric softener is. (If you decide to date this man, you will definitely have your work cut out for you; he’s a stray and it shows in his daily habits.) 

That being said, he’s very picky about cosmetics. He only uses a certain shade of eyeliner, a certain brand of lipstick, and always uses a top coat when he paints his nails. He doesn’t, however, use makeup remover, meaning he usually wakes up with raccoon eyes. 

Literally so dramatic, probably has a smoke machine somewhere on the Victoria Punk. 

Has a notorious temper (as if we don’t already know). Snaps over small things. Blames others for moving his stuff because he can never keep track of anything, only to find he was the one who did it. Will never admit to being wrong. The temper can be confusing, too, because he often shows affection by making fun of people and even punching them (granted they’re strong enough to take a friendly punch). If he yells at you, he hates you, but also, if he yells at you, he loves you- oh, and he refuses to elaborate. 

Uses his devil fruit powers to give members of his crew free piercings. Pierced Killer’s nipples after he (Killer) lost a bet. Has considered piercing his own nipples, thinks it would look sick. 

Once accidentally drank oil instead of coffee when he was working in his workshop one night because he confused the canister for his coffee mug. 

Drinks his coffee black, and not in a performative “I’m a man so I hate cream and sugar” kind of way. Genuinely enjoys his coffee black and bitter, the stronger the better. 

Has the sort of mechanical brain that just has to fix things. If someone mentions a hinge is squeaking, a piece of something broke off, etc., he’s dealing with it almost immediately. Will lose track of time trying to repair things, once without realizing spent four hours trying to fix a can opener that Killer said needed to be thrown away. Has definitely taken things apart before to figure out how they work and then not put them back together because he got distracted (has undiagnosed ADHD for sure). 

Smokes, but only ever late at night and when he’s alone. They’re his contemplative cigarettes, a little something to take the edge off and keep his hands occupied while the gears in his brain are turning. I.e., treats his late night cigarettes as a fidget spinner. 

———

Hope you enjoyed it! If you want more, you can check out my masterlist here!

[nauticaltrain]

is the way you interpret the stex characters, are they robots or a mix? since they don't feel pain, but bleed oil etc. what is the lore? are they built at a young age or are they built into adults? (p.s your art is delicious too look at !!)

ohohoho boy, the lore i have for you, strap in

(brief note, this is all my personal interpretation and is definitely not the word of god lol. I genuinely love every interpretation and believe that headcanon variety is vital to a healthy fandom ecosystem)

So, this is something I have thought a lot about and still continue to think about. I'm pretty sure I've nailed it down but it might still be a little nebulous so bear with me.

In the most basic sense, my interpretation of Starlight Express, and all of its characters, is that they are real world pieces of rolling stock that have the ability to shift between a train form (primary configuration) and a human form (secondary configuration). Not an uncommon idea in this fanbase.

However, I'm an overthinking bitch, and I love going in-depth on things like this, so let's expand a little.

There are three main phrases that I use to define my interpretation (headcanon? au? lore?) and to keep myself on track when developing ideas. Sort of layers, if you will. They are as follows:

Fabricated manifestation of psyche - This is rolling stock's appearance in secondary configuration, or what we see in the musical. Their human bodies are a cosmetic representation of their will. A psychological trick. It reflects their personalities, their jobs, their mental age, the demographics of the region they serve. There about a million different factors that go into how they look, and like us, they can't control it. (well, except for CB, but he's another story) It's important to note that this is a manifestation. They are not Transformers. Secondary configuration is not 1:1. There are certain things that get muddled in the changeover. Wheel arrangements being different, missing certain parts, changed color palettes. You could open one up and see parts but not in any sort of similar arrangement to their blueprints. I mean, who can honestly picture every single part of their body in perfect detail and then reinterpret it into a new shape? (this is in part my answer to discrepancies between the real costumes and my lore shh shh)

Counterfeit reflection of humanity - This is their minds. They are our copies. They experience everything we do. They work, play, socialize, fight, fall in love. You could talk to a piece of rolling stock and have a fully human conversation. They are people. However, the longer your conversation goes on for, you may notice certain...oddities. Gaps in their knowledge, speaking in rhythmic sentences, constant repetitive movement. Someone copied humans and didn't do the most perfect job. Like looking at human culture through a lens. Many a train has pondered the simultaneous existence of being machine and being alive.

Physical incarnation of industrialism - Now this, is the origin of all of this. The humans did not create trains to be the way they are. Every piece of rolling stock is designed as they would be in the real world: vehicles to transport people and goods from one place to the next. No one designed Greaseball's slicked back hair or big, studded belt, they designed an EMD E7 built for pulling fast passenger trains. My point is, at the advent of industrialism as we know it, the trains manifested their secondary configurations themselves. They are the offspring of humanity, sired by ingenuity and innovation and birthed from the overturned earth of the Industrial Revolution. No one knows how or why, they just are.

So, in summary, they're sort of robots? Sort of a power of the mind situation? Sort of my own self-reflection on the nature of being alive?

Bonus facts!

Indeed, they do not feel pain. In fact, much of their sense of touch in general is limited. It ranges from same sensitivity as human flesh (hands, face, wheels) to just registers contact (shoulder boxes, hip plating, couplers). I have a diagram of the exact distribution somewhere lol

They bleed? Kind of? If parts are pulled off or damaged, they sort of…leak. Also, if their fleshy bits are "injured", the wounds only heal when the actual machinery is repaired. Also also, if you remove a human part (arm, leg, head, etc.) it will turn back into a train part!

Their temperature resistance is notable too. Comfortable is between -10 F to well over 500 F. Anything above or below that, and they start to complain. Wooden rolling stock have a harder time than steel ones.

They're afraid of deep water and tornados.

In addition to their nails being painted in relevant colors (which I believe is a semi-popular headcanon already), their mouths are the same. Some more unnatural colors include, black, yellow, and blue!

Tall! Generally between 12 and 17 feet. Loosely correlates to their height in primary configuration. Some are the same height, some are taller, some are shorter. Really depends on personality. I contemplated once to have their heights be the length of their primary configurations, but that would result in some pretty awkward height differences and they would be too big for their loading gauge.

They always manifest as adults, or at the very least, late teenagers. They kind of age? Sometimes? Momma started out a bit middle aged, but Rusty has spent like 50+ years looking 25. Really depends on the person, workload, environment, etc.

[verycleverboy]

Donald fucked around, we get to find out

Via Narcity: "Starting Tuesday, Canada is slapping new counter-tariffs on U.S. products, targeting $30 billion worth of American goods. And that's just the beginning — Trudeau says an additional $125 billion in tariffs will roll out in the next three weeks if things don't de-escalate."

What follows is the full list of affected American products:

Food & drink

Poultry & eggs — chicken, turkey, goose, duck and their byproducts (fresh, frozen, preserved)

Dairy products — milk, cream, butter, ice cream, yogurt, cheese

Fruits & vegetables — tomatoes, beans, snap peas, citrus fruits, melons, peaches, nectarines, berries

Coffee & tea

Spices & flavourings — pepper, vanilla, dried spices (cinnamon, turmeric, curry, etc.)

Sauces & condiments — soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salad dressing, peanut and nut butters

Grains & baking essentials — wheat, rye, rice, barley, oats, flour, mixes and doughs

Oils & fats — canola, sunflower, safflower, palm, peanut and nut oils; margarine and butter substitutes

Sugars & sweeteners — honey, cane sugar, beet sugar, maple sugar and syrup, sugar syrups, molasses

Packaged foods — pasta, pizza, bread, cakes, biscuits, cereal-based foods, soup and broth, pickles, gum, candies, chocolate

Supplements — whey powder, casein, fish oil

Beverages & alcohol — orange juice, soda beer, wine, cider, spirits, liqueurs, coolers, bitters

Tobacco products

Raw & processed tobacco — unmanufactured tobacco, tobacco extracts, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco

Cigarettes & cigars — cigars, cheroots, cigarillos and cigarettes

Nicotine products — vapes, e-cigarettes, nicotine patches and other smokeless tobacco products

Personal care products

Cosmetics & skincare — makeup, nail polish and manicure tools, hair care, deodorants, soaps and cleansers, razors, shaving products, bath products

Electronic tools — electric razors and clippers, hair dryers, curling irons, flatirons

Fragrances — perfumes, room deodorizers

Oral care — toothpaste, dental floss

Paper products — toilet paper, tissues, napkins

Home & office items

Kitchenware — paper and plastic tableware, storage containers, glassware, cutlery and utensils, kitchen knives, scissors

Furniture & home goods — metal, wooden and plastic furniture; chairs; mattresses and bedding; lighting; storage racks

Home textiles — carpets, rugs, blankets, bed linens, table and kitchen linens, curtains, cleaning cloths

Paper & books — stationery, notebooks, memo pads, binders, file folders, carbon sets, albums, printed materials

Office supplies — letter openers, pencil sharpeners

Artwork — paintings, drawings, pastels

Clothing & accessories

Clothing — shirts, pants, dresses, suits, underwear, hosiery, pyjamas, sweaters, activewear, swimwear, outerwear, baby clothes

Activity-specific attire — diving suits, ski suits, protective gear, life jackets, climbing harnesses, work belts, safety headgear, animal saddlery

Accessories — footwear, hats, gloves, scarves, belts, neckties, jewelry

Bags & luggage — handbags, wallets, suitcases, briefcases, backpacks

Electronics & appliances

Household appliances — refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, stoves, barbecues, fans, humidifiers, vacuum cleaners, fabric steamers

Countertop appliances & kitchen gadgets — blenders, food mixers, juicers, microwaves, grills, rice cookers, coffee makers, toasters

Gaming & entertainment — video game consoles, board games, card games

Vehicles & machinery

Motorcycles & recreational vehicles — motorbikes, sidecars, recreational boats, drones

Yard equipment — snowblowers, lawnmowers

Tools — saws, pliers, wrenches, spanners, hammers, drills, cutting tools, screwdrivers, staple guns, vices, lighters, pneumatic tools, padlocks

Rubber tires

Building materials

Silica & quartz sands

Plastic wall, floor & ceiling coverings

Window and door fixtures — window and door components and frames, shutters, blinds

Bathroom fixtures — plastic and ceramic baths, showers, sinks and wash basins, toilets, bidets, urinals

Plastic packaging

Wood products — planks, chips, veneer sheets, particle board, MDF, fibreboard, laminated wood, posts, beams, floor panels, wood pulp

Cardboard & paper — cartons, boxes, cases, paper bags

Textiles — tarps, tents, canopies, sails, woven fabric

Precious metals & gemstones — diamonds, silver, palladium

Weapons & ammunition

Firearms — pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, air guns

Ammunition — bullets, cartridges, pellets

"Have fun!"

[p5x-theories]

Yuumi’s Confidant

(last updated 4/19/25!)

This post documents the fully filled-in information on Yuumi Shiina gained through progressing her Confidant! It contains things that could be considered spoilers for her Confidant, as part of the information is a summary of its story.

Yuumi is available at night most days, when it isn’t rainy. Her Confidant is tied to the Charm social stat, and level 17 Charm is required to fully complete it.

Her Confidant also requires changing a heart in Mementos.

Favorite Presents

(An asterisk (*) marks the special presents added with (and unlocked through) Miyu Sahara’s Confidant, which are liked by all Confidants currently in the game.)

Simple Cosmetics Bag A portable cosmetics bag with exquisite style and amazing capacity.

Black Lacquer Mug Stylish mug. The black appearance looks very mature.

Chocolate Truffles Carefully crafted 6-piece chocolate truffle set.

Watercolor Postcard Vivid picture postcard with a sense of air and clearness.

Retro Marble Soda Set A nostalgic set of marble sodas in various flavors that will remind you of the taste of your childhood.

Exquisite Silver Plate This finely-crafted silver disc is reminiscent of the full moon in the night sky.

Big Head Plush This large plush consisting of only a head is perfect for holding in your arms.

Moon-Shaped Brooch This crescent-shaped brooch is a very popular piece of jewelry.

Exotic Perfume This perfume is made with a unique formula, and is said to have a scent that can make people forget their sorrows.

Limited-Edition Keychain* This keychain has a unique shape, and is well-made, but there weren’t many of it produced. It has a certain collector’s value.

Bulk Snacks Value Pack* A combo pack containing a variety of traditional snacks that will remind people of the taste of childhood.

Advanced Essential Oil Combination* A value-for-money set of essential oils, with multiple functions to help you relax your mind and body.

Chestnut Cake* Fragrant chestnut cake with mild sweetness to suit most people’s tastes.

Musical Snow Globe* A snow globe that plays music, and can be shaken gently to make snow fall inside.

Desktop Incense Machine* A household incense machine that is small in size, so it can be placed anywhere.

Miniature Daisy Perfume This fragrance is made from miniature daisies, and the white petals emit a subtle scent in their package that's very healing to smell.

Personal Information

Pre-Version 4.0:

Birthday: June 21 Zodiac Sign: Gemini Age: 26 years old Height: 168 cm Weight: Confidential Interests: Listening to everyone's stories Features: Flairtending, dancing

Version 4.0:

Birthday: June 21 Blood Type: AB Age: 26 years old Profession: Bartender Height: 168cm Weight: I've been drinking a lot lately~ Favorite Food: Richly-flavored food Interests: Dancing, exploring bars Features: Fancy cocktails, fruit carving

Story

Character Details A bartender working at an underground bar in Shibuya, specializing in fancy cocktails. She looks like a mature older sister-type, but her actual personality isn't like that...

Personal Data 1 My first encounter with Shiina was an accident... If she hadn't splashed me with water by chance, I might not have entered the bar she works at, and I wouldn't have know that even minors are allowed there. I became interested in Shiina's bartending skills, and Shiina was looking for customers who could taste-test her "mocktails", so I made a deal with her.

Personal Data 2 Shiina started by showing off her excellent bartending skills. During our chat, she talked about the reason why she became a bartender: in the past, her life was changed by an experience with alcohol. She was fascinated by the bartending skills of the owner of this shop, and hoped to inspire that feeling in others. Though she was shy about expressing these thoughts, it's a good aspiration to have.

Personal Data 3 During the cocktail-mixing process, Shiina showed the customers her flairtending moves that incorporated dance techniques. From this, I learned that Shiina had studied dance in the past, and even participated in many competitions... However, when I asked why she stopped dancing, Shiina hesitated to answer.

Personal Data 4 As Shiina and I got to know each other better, Shiina started to teach me more bartending techniques. She also reminded me that if I have ideas, I can try adapting recipes in my own way...

Personal Data 5 A customer's words seemed to remind Shiina of the past... Seeing Shiina somewhat frustrated, I tried to mix a special drink for her using the method she taught me. Comforted by the drink, Shiina revealed her true feelings: she still wanted to continue dancing. But, as she said, blissfully doing what you like is easier said than done.

Personal Data 6 The bar's owner left a registration form for a "Fancy Cocktail Competition" out for Shiina, but Shiina was very hesitant about joining... Taking this opportunity, she finally told me about her past. After participating in a dance competition, she was repeatedly heckled and criticized by the same man in the audience, which made her more and more afraid, and she eventually gave up dancing. This is also the reason why she's afraid of competitions. Although she seemed much more relaxed after talking about it, her desire is still...

Personal Data 7 While discussing a new drink with Shiina, the man who harassed Shiina appeared again, and this time he even began to criticize her bartending skills. Though I helped Shiina drive him away, if I let this go, Shiina's desires will definitely be stolen again. I can't let that happen.

Personal Data 8 After successfully changing the man's heart, he apologized to Shiina. Shiina seemed to realized that I'd done something for her, but she tactfully avoiding talking about it. Her desires have returned, and Shiina appears to have regained her courage to face things. Now, she's decided to blissfully do what she likes again.

Personal Data 9 Shiina decided to participate in the Fancy Cocktail Competition, and began to practice more for this purpose. Trying to mix a drink that meets the requirements of the competition, Shiina managed to get herself drunk... But this time, she seems very happy.

Personal Data 10 The competition is over, and unfortunately, Shiina didn't win... But Shiina was not discouraged, and excitedly told me all she learned from the experience. Perhaps to thank me for my company, Shiina created a cocktail for me based on her perception of me, although she had to serve me the non-alcoholic version... I'll have to wait until the future comes and I'm an adult to try the original recipe.

Voice Lines

Japanese VA: Yumi Hara | Chinese VA: YuanYuan Song

(As I can only add up to ten audio files per post, I’ll only include the Japanese lines below! Feel free to ask for the Chinese ones, though.)

I'm Yuumi Shiina. I work as a bartender at a bar in Shibuya... my specialty is flairtending! Nice to meet you.

I joined a dance club in college, and we did a variety of dances. I think the experience helped influence my flairtending. But it'd be great if I could develop a dance unique to me...

It can be difficult to get into a place like a bar, right? You might say it's difficult to take that step. But I want to make it a place where you can easily enter without any trouble! That's why I'm learning how to make mocktails~

Mixing drinks of different flavors and colors together into a variety of drinks... For some reason, it's like magic to me. And from there, the glass shape and the color of the decoration can change the impression of it, too... If I could become a magician that makes drinks to perfectly match each customer, I'd be happy.

I could never forget the feeling of my clothes flowing around me as I dance, or the glittering spotlights washing over me, because I loved it so much! ... I just wanted to experience that happiness forever.

Your mocktail-making skills are steadily improving, too... Well, I won't lose, either! I can't lose to my own student. Just wait, I'll make a mocktail that'll really impress you~

Sometimes I think about... what it'd be like if I hadn't met you. I certainly would've stopped dancing, and I probably wouldn't be enjoying flairtending, either... Thanks to you, I'm able to enjoy every day, thank you.

Confidant-Specific Bonuses

Rank 1 Shake Method: Unlock drink recipes for the kitchen, which can improve stats.

Rank 5 Ice Filtering Method: Unlock a new drink recipe for the kitchen, which restores energy.

Rank 9 Stirring Method: Increases the purchase limit of Assam Black Tea* in the Shinjuku Convenience Store by 1.

Rank 13 Snow Frost Method: Increases the chance of making perfect drinks.

Rank 17 Double-Mixing Method: When making a drink, gain a 50% chance of getting an additional drink.

*This item is used to make the drink recipe unlocked in Rank 5; by default only one can be bought every real-world week.

[jamcannibal]

My SunnySideUp design explained

Exhibit A:

This picture was the first time I ever drew Sunny. I was figuring out how rich people/modern princesses look in cartoons basically. Because she's a little kid and she's not gonna know how actual rich people dress. I was also looking at different Sunny fanarts and ultimately fell in love with the idea of her being black/mixed.

Exhibit B:

This is a colored version of the design i decided on. She does not have any "dragon" features here because I was lazy. I'm pretty sure her dress was pink and then I remembered that her color was orange. Note that she still has the clasic glasses here. (ignore them being purple on the left, that's just smth i do in my sketchbook)

Exhibit C:

It's my pinterest board for Sunny. I haven't been drawing for over a month when I made this (health issues) and I rlly wanted to draw Sunny again bcs QSMP being closed was driving me nuts. I actually researched protective hairstyles for this.

Exhibit D:

As you can see her outfit is pretty similar to the first one I decided on. The differences are: Different colors. Her sleeves aren't as poofy so they could be more practical. Glasses are star shaped. (She's a star!) Shoes. I originally drew her with ballet flats but here I gave her sneakers (specifically balenciaga bcs expensive) but ultimately decided to give her boots with butterfly wings. That's an omage to the cosmetic wings she wore on QSMP. (plus being around trains and machines it's more practical to wear boots) And of course the hair. She has mini twists tied into two buns. She has blonde kanekalon weaved into them. Considering coily hair is really dry bleaching is not always a good idea+she's literally a kid. (I know it's fiction, leave me and my brain rot about protective hairstyles and coily hair in general alone.) She also has a toolbelt. She only wears it when she helps her papa around, but it's still stylish and matches her outfit.

Exhibit E:

Drawing in procreate to try out different color combos. (I liked the left one the best, but still changed it, lol)

Exhibit F:

(I forgot about her tail pls don't point it out) She has cornrows here instead of twists. (I'm gonna be using both of these hairstyle for her) I turned her yellow glasses black to pay respect to her actualy egg form. (the glasses might be compltely different shade but at least they're black) and in the light of that i made her boots black instead of white. And I added diamond earrings bcs she needs to have diamonds in her design.

I really want her to have the vibe she wants to dress like a rich person but she's a kid so she doesn't really have a grasp onto how rich people dress so she resolves to princess, but her dad literally works on trains and other machines so having a big poofy skirt and fur coat and the feather thingy is not practical. So she still manages to dress like a princess while being semi-practical. I think she wore big skirts and feather thingies and white fancy gloves at the beginning, but stopped bcs practicality. And beinfg able to spend time with her pa is more important than looking like a princess. (I might draw that one day but rn my hands are dying.) If you got here I applaud you. This is more text than I have written for my seminar work so far-

[honeybadger-has-a-grimoire]

A Small Update Because I Am Busy Right Now

So I know I promised you guys another kitchen witch blog, and I will get to it. It’s just right now a lot of the outside world seems very doom and gloom and I had some of my own things pop up that—while not major and easily solved—still kinda threw me for a bit. Now I’m just slowly picking up the pieces of my mental health and trying the best I can to actually listen to my body.

(So yes, I finally am going to the doctor to handle whatever I picked up while working two jobs. But that’s besides the point.)

The doom and gloom got me thinking though. Everyone is upset and scared and anxious right now, especially on this hellsite right here. So, I’d figure I’d share something that happened to me yesterday that made me feel—in the words of the lovely Jennie Blonde/the Comfy Cozy Witch—comfy, cozy, and witchy.

In my grocery store job that I do on Thursday nights, Saturday mornings, and Sundays, I have struck up an acquaintance with this older gentleman who works out self-check out machines.

While we do have differing views on certain things which I don’t believe would ever make us friends in any capacity, he still tries his best to do right by the people around him and hear out their perspectives—especially since he has a young child who he wants to be a good example for. And, recently, I’ve opened up about a bit of my witchcraft practices to him which includes my current beginning studies of herbalism.

Herbalism especially fascinated him because he knew some plants were good for the human body but not exactly how.

Now, he had a rash around his eye on Thursday night. It was bright red and itchy according to him as well as slightly dry. And, while we both agreed he should keep his doctor’s appointment the following day to ensure that he wasn’t gaining an allergy to something or eczema, he asked me if I knew anything that might help with the itchiness and the dryness.

So I ended up going down our cosmetic aisle and pulling out the best rose water we sold that also contained aloe Vera. I explained to him that rose is very hydrating and usually helpful in cooling down inflamed areas topically and I would mix a little bit of this with a little bit of moisturizer and see if it helps. But then he pointed out the aloe was in it, so we agreed to experiment with just the water and then add moisturizer if needed.

Well I don’t see him again until Sunday and the rash is all gone. Apparently he used the rose water with aloe every night before bed and by Sunday the rash had gone away. He was so happy and thanked me for the knowledge that I felt super proud of myself.

I was an herbalist!

I helped someone with a minor problem and it worked better than I expected!

And not only that, my coworker was learning from me! Taking what I said into account and applying it if he could, asking questions about possible interactions with his problem because of what he picked up in conversation from me!

And it made me super happy.

So that’s what makes me feel comfy, cozy, and witchy. Next up—doctor’s office tomorrow to kick whatever this is out of me.

[luigi-mcdingle]

The Nintendo Badge Arcade is probably my favorite thing Nintendo has ever done ever in their history

This daily game that feeds into my love of arcades, with the BEST host character ever who NEEDS to be represented more, and it gives you exclusive functionality on the 3DS HOME menu??

Checking the machines every week, getting SUPER excited when there was some cool unique design or a character I really liked, using all my skill on earning free plays in the practice machine, getting PUMPED OUT OF MY MIND at the privilege of buying more plays and getting all the badges I want

Seeing the HOME menus others posted on Miiverse (which i may have to ramble about later) featured IN THE GAME, posting my own with fingers crossed

Talking to the bunny every day, all these unique conversations that made him feel REAL, some of which may or may not be lost to time??

Decorating my HOME menu to look like a retro game, mixing and matching themes and badges from all my favorite series, displaying my hyperfixations loud and proud

NOTHING before or since, from any company, has beaten the Badge Arcade in sheer CHARM and FUN (xbox 360 avatars came close with the ability to unlock cosmetics by playing games)

Bring back the Badge Arcade for Switch please :(

[anon-argentine]

just me rambling about my Vampire: the Masquerade characters because I made myself sad

Your name is Lucía Szabó and you are being raised by your eccentric aunt in Buenos Aires. Your mother died shortly after giving birth to you in 1906 and it clearly still pains your aunt. You have no other family to speak of and your aunt doesn’t like to talk about them, so you brush it off. You are brought up in luxury and comfort and you attend the best private schools and clubs, mingling with the elite. One day your friend confesses that the mayor’s son assaulted her and the next day he is found brutally murdered. Your aunt doesn’t pressure you to get married, any unwanted suitors are quickly kicked out and any wanted suitors must pass her judgement. You become a teacher, meet a charming professor that you love with all your heart and create a school together. Your husband eventually tells you that right before proposing he had a nightmare about your aunt turning into a monster and threatening to kill him if he hurt you. You brush it off. You get older and suddenly realize that your aunt looks exactly the same, even as the years pass and your friends’ parents begin to grey. You brush it off, reasoning that the rare cosmetics she keeps in her vanity and forbids you from touching are the secret to keeping her young looking. You give birth to two daughters and name your aunt Godmother (unofficially, of course, since she refuses to step foot in a church). On a soft summer night, your aunt asks you if you want to live forever. You say no and she never brings it up again. Your daughters grow up and your aunt still looks the same.

Your name is Ana Zaselki, born in 1928. You are raised by your parents in a nice house and attend their school, but money is a bit tight so you are not used to luxury. Any presents and fancy things come from your great-aunt and Godmother. She is imposing and beautiful and sometimes looks younger than even your own mother. She teaches you Hungarian and makes you beautiful dresses. You fall down while playing in the garden and break your leg, that angle is way too unnatural to be a simple sprain - but your Godmother has you close your eyes and you scream as she sets the bone back in place and- it’s good as new. Like nothing had happened. After that, you want to become a doctor. Your godmother uses her power and influence to get rid of any man who tries to stop you. You contract polio while working at a hospital during an outbreak - no one is allowed to see you and they are keeping you in quarantine, but somehow your godmother sneaks in and sits at your bedside. She brushes your hair back and holds your hand with no hesitation, singing old lullabies from the old country. She asks if you want to live forever, without ever getting sick again. You refuse. Your Godmother nods and keeps singing until you close your eyes again.

Your name is Luisa Zaselki, and you’re born in 1930. You are raised by your parents in a nice house and attend their school, but money is a bit tight so you are not used to luxury. Any presents and fancy things come from your great-aunt and Godmother. She is imposing and beautiful and sometimes looks younger than even your own mother. She teaches you Hungarian and makes you beautiful dresses. You fall in love with the process of making clothes and decide you want to be a designer. You work hard and refuse any direct help - it will be your name on the brand and no one else’s. The owner of a best-selling magazine asks that you model your lingerie line yourself if you want your collection to be featured there. The next day, he is found caught up in the printing machines, blood mixing with the ink. The editor publishes an extensive praise article on your collection. Your parents grow older and weaker and your godmother stays the same. She is there for the birth of your daughter - the result of a fling, but husbands are useless anyway - and your godmother presents her with the prettiest blankets and socks.

On and on it goes. Mothers and daughters and a single Godmother that started it all.

Your name is Maria Szereda, you are the fifth child in a minor noble family in Hungary. You are awkward and quiet and prefer to spend your days at the loom and sewing table. The war kills your older siblings and mother and nearly everyone you knew. You are seventeen and unmarried, the nobility are also dwindling in numbers, and your father doesn’t know what to do with you so he sends you away to serve a countess. Maybe she’ll find you a husband. The Countess is a beautiful woman and a very vain one too. She loves the way you work with dresses, altering them to be more up to date and coming up with new ways to add details. She asks if you want to live forever. You wouldn’t have to worry about husbands or dowries, you can sew and weave to your heart’s content. You say yes. You almost faint the first time Countess Bathory shows you the blood bath she uses to remain beautiful, the now dead serving girl with her throat cut hanging upside down to add to the blood. It’s also the first time your mouth waters at the scent of fresh blood. You don’t watch the torture your mistress enjoys so much, you drink their blood because the smell permeates every inch of the castle and not drinking it feels worse, and you keep to your sewing needles and fabrics because if you do a good job then she won’t turn on you.

It’s 1605 when the church and crown come for your mistress. You escape and find yourself completely alone. You spend the next three centuries going around Europe, endearing yourself to courts and kings with your skills and beauty. A French duke tries to have his way with you and you kill him, draining him dry. You are euphoric and restless and eager for more, was this how Bathory felt when she tortured scullery maids? You catch an English lord taking advantage of a maid and kill him too. The Spanish prince and Austrian count and Swedish captain suffer similar fates.

You get bored and go to Buenos Aires in 1900. There you hire a lady’s maid named Ana Szabó, a fellow Hungarian immigrant. She is soft-spoken and sweet but has a ruthless streak and can draw blood if needed. You ask her if she wants to live forever.

She says no.

[koholint]

todays playlist:

Itsco feat. alan - Jane Doe

Capsule - Candy Cutie (Monkey Party Mix)

Fantastic Plastic Machine - Bachelor Pad

Tetsuto Yoshida - Liaisons Dangereuses

Mariko Nanba & Tomoya Ohtani - Bang! Bang! Big Hornes Explosion

Pizzicato Five - Good

Qypthone - You’ll Be More Than a Friend

Chappie - The International Chappie’s Cheer-leading Team

Nagisa Cosmetic - Cosmetic Happy

Melting Holidays - Cherry Wine

Pictogram Color - T-Shirts

Serani Poji - Rabbit Panic

Toshiya Arai - Detective Jack

Clémentine - La Fete

Licca with Happy Pappy - Perhaps or Really? Licca (Romance and Magic Mix)

thanks for listening!

[thesufferingisendless]

I wanna make a game one day.

Imagine, for a moment:

Monster Hunter,

but you are a robot, fighting bigger robots (and giant mutated plant monsters I guess) with your 3 robot buddies, and instead of crafting new suits of armour you craft new parts for yourself, which you get to mix and match to your hearts content to grant yourself increasingly wacky builds!

(Ex. you take down a giant spider robot, which allows you to craft a new set of spider legs, which allow you to sprint in any direction and crawl up walls, or you kill a flying robot and get the ability to launch up into the sky and come crashing back down like a meteor)

And unlike Monster Hunter when you buy an item you permanently unlock it as a cosmetic variant, so if you buy a new chest part that makes you a brick wall but you REALLY like how your terrible trash beginner armour looks, you can equip it overtop your current armour, just like terraria (unless it changes too much like the spider legs, you can’t equip overtop of that)

Fighting not across lush forests and arid deserts, but ancient ruins, having duels with massive war machines in the overgrown, crumbling ruins of a long-dead metropolis, or desperately grappling your way across a spire that stretches above the clouds, chasing an ancient AI-driven VTOL drone as every step you take the floor comes crashing down under your feet, or facing off against a titanous mining unit in the abyss of the sea floor, drills cutting through the water as its waterlogged engines hiss with steam, and you duck and weave in slow motion as the water slows you down and you dive between attacks…

Oh man. I wish I knew how to code, and I wish I had the motivation to learn how to.

[rohan9794]

Auger Filling Machine: The Ultimate Guide for Precision Powder Packaging

What is an Auger Filling Machine?

An auger filling machine is a specialized device used to fill powdered or granular products into containers such as pouches, bottles, jars, or cans. It uses a rotating screw-like device (auger) to control and dispense a specific quantity of product into packaging with exceptional accuracy.

Whether for fine powders like talcum or coarse materials like detergent granules, auger fillers ensure uniform dosing and minimal product wastage.

How Does an Auger Filler Work?

The machine operates by rotating an auger screw housed within a funnel-like hopper. As the auger turns, it displaces product down into the container. The amount of product dispensed is controlled by:

The auger screw’s pitch

Speed of rotation

Number of rotations per cycle

Auger fillers can operate in volumetric mode (pre-set volume) or gravimetric mode (based on weight, with load cell integration).

Types of Auger Filling Machines

1. Semi-Automatic Auger Filler

Ideal for low-volume production, small businesses, or startups. Operators place the container manually under the nozzle. A foot pedal or button initiates the fill.

2. Automatic Auger Filler

Integrated into full packaging lines with conveyor systems. The process—from container feeding to filling—is completely automated.

3. Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) with Auger

Combines film-forming and pouch sealing with auger filling in a vertical format. Common in snacks, spices, and dairy creamer packaging.

4. Rotary Auger Fillers

Used in high-speed applications where bottles or jars move in a rotary carousel under the filling heads.

Applications of Auger Filling Machines

Food Industry

Spices (turmeric, chili, cumin, garam masala)

Flour and baking mixes

Protein powders

Instant drink powders

Coffee, tea, sugar

Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals

Antibiotic powders

Oral rehydration salts (ORS)

Ayurvedic powders

Nutritional supplements

Cosmetics

Face powders

Dry shampoos

Clay masks

Chemical & Agro Industries

Fertilizer powders

Detergents

Laboratory reagents

Key Features of Modern Auger Filling Machines

1. Servo Motor Drive

Enables precise control of the auger screw, enhancing fill accuracy and repeatability.

2. Touchscreen HMI & PLC Control

User-friendly interface for recipe settings, diagnostics, and batch counting.

3. Dust Extraction System

Protects both operator health and product integrity by removing airborne particles.

4. Tool-Free Changeover

Fast cleaning and auger replacement for different product types or weights.

5. Level Sensor Integration

Automatically controls hopper refilling to avoid overflows or underfills.

Advantages of Auger Filling Machines

High Accuracy: ±1–2% fill tolerance depending on product.

Hygienic and GMP Compliant: Stainless steel contact parts (SS304 or SS316).

Versatile: Works with both free-flowing and non-free-flowing powders.

Scalable: From manual operations to fully automated high-speed lines.

Low Maintenance: Rugged design with minimal wear and tear.

[ennisblogger]

Exploring the Yezdi Adventure’s Twin Headlight: Style Meets Functionality

In the world of adventure motorcycles, lighting isn’t just a cosmetic feature—it’s a critical component of safety and rider identity. One of the most standout features of the Yezdi Adventure is its twin headlight setup, combining bold aesthetics with practical performance.

Whether you're navigating city traffic or gearing up for a weekend off-road trail, the Yezdi Adventure twin headlight configuration offers enhanced visibility and reliability—especially on the diverse roads of Coimbatore and Madurai, where changing light and terrain demand more from your machine.

Why the Twin Headlamp Setup Matters

The dual-lamp arrangement on the Yezdi Adventure isn’t just for show—it’s a functional design upgrade that improves visibility, safety, and style.

🏍️ Riders exploring this model can check out the Yezdi Adventure twin headlight variant available at SDM Bikes in Coimbatore and Madurai, where detailed specifications and local support are available.

1. Powerful Night Visibility

This twin headlight system significantly improves night-time vision. With two focused beams, it casts a wider, more consistent field of light, making it ideal for both high-speed highways and dimly lit backroads around Coimbatore and Madurai.

2. Rugged, Adventure-Ready Look

Aesthetically, the stacked headlamp design gives the Yezdi Adventure a robust and purposeful look—perfect for riders who value presence as much as performance. Whether you're riding through Madurai's rugged outskirts or Coimbatore’s cityscape, the styling fits right in.

3. Enhanced Terrain Adaptability

The dual-lamp configuration improves safety by revealing road imperfections, wildlife, or debris much earlier than traditional setups. This is especially valuable in mixed conditions, from monsoon-drenched roads to foggy hills.

4. Optimal Light Distribution

Separate high and low beams provide balanced illumination, giving riders better control over their visual range. This helps avoid overexposure in close range while still lighting up the road ahead—a vital feature for longer trips or unexpected detours.

5. LED Efficiency

Most newer variants come with LED lights that offer brighter output with lower energy draw, leaving more room for accessories like phone mounts, GPS devices, or USB chargers—perfect for adventure seekers in Tamil Nadu.

Where to Experience the Bike Locally

If you're based in Tamil Nadu, especially around Coimbatore or Madurai, consider visiting SDM Bikes. They offer access to test rides, service options, and customization guidance for the Yezdi Adventure twin head model, all within a trusted and rider-focused environment.

Final Thoughts

The Yezdi Adventure’s twin headlight setup is more than a design feature—it’s a functional statement of safety, style, and adaptability. For riders in Coimbatore and Madurai, this makes it an ideal companion across varied terrains and riding conditions.

In a time when every component of your motorcycle matters more than ever, the twin headlight stands out as a smart, safety-conscious, and stylish upgrade—ensuring you're ready for the road, day or night.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. It is not affiliated with or sponsored by any brand or dealership. Always check with your local dealer—such as SDM Bikes in Coimbatore and Madurai—for the most accurate and up-to-date information on availability

[phoenixmixture26]

Hi-Speed Lab Disperser | Advanced High Speed Dispersion Mixers for Laboratory Precision

Explore the superior performance of Phoenix Mixer’s Hi-Speed Lab Disperser. Engineered for R&D and testing, our High speed dispersion mixers ensure efficient lab-scale mixing and dispersion.

Unlock Laboratory Precision with Phoenix Mixer’s Hi-Speed Lab Disperser

In the rapidly evolving world of research and development, the need for reliable and efficient lab equipment has never been greater. Laboratories across industries such as coatings, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, and food processing require precise tools that ensure consistency, speed, and performance in every test. Among these essential tools, the Hi-Speed Lab Disperser has emerged as a game-changer ��� and Phoenix Mixer leads the way with its high-performance design and user-focused innovation.

What is a Hi-Speed Lab Disperser?

A Hi-Speed Lab Disperser is a laboratory-scale mixing machine designed to disperse, dissolve, and homogenize materials quickly and efficiently. It is especially useful in formulating liquids with solid particles, such as paints, inks, coatings, cosmetics, and chemical slurries. The device operates with a rotor-stator mechanism that generates high shear forces, leading to rapid and uniform mixing.

Phoenix Mixer’s lab disperser stands out by combining advanced technology with compact design, making it ideal for small-batch testing and formulation development.

Why Choose High Speed Dispersion Mixers?

High speed dispersion mixers are essential tools for laboratories focused on precision, speed, and repeatability. These mixers can handle a wide variety of viscosities and formulations, ensuring consistent dispersion of even the most stubborn materials. Here’s why industries trust them:

1. High Efficiency

High-speed mixers can quickly achieve particle size reduction, blending, and de-agglomeration. The result is faster development cycles and reduced lab time.

2. Versatility

Phoenix Mixer’s High speed dispersion mixers accommodate various materials — from low-viscosity solvents to medium-thick pastes — making them suitable for multiple applications, including paint formulations, ink development, and cosmetic emulsions.

3. Consistent Results

In R&D, consistency is critical. These mixers ensure uniform dispersion every time, improving the repeatability of your tests and the reliability of your results.

4. Compact Design for Lab Use

Built specifically for laboratory environments, the Phoenix Mixer Hi-Speed Lab Disperser is compact, lightweight, and easy to operate. It fits seamlessly into any lab space without sacrificing power or control.

Key Features of Phoenix Mixer’s Hi-Speed Lab Disperser

The Phoenix Mixer solution stands out in its class, offering:

Variable Speed Control: Customize the speed for different materials and desired results.

Digital Display Panel: Monitor and control operational parameters with precision.

Adjustable Height: Easy to accommodate different vessel sizes and volumes.

Stainless Steel Construction: Ensures hygiene, durability, and corrosion resistance.

Safety Mechanisms: Includes emergency stop buttons and overcurrent protection to ensure safe operation.

Whether you're working with 500 ml or 5 liters of sample material, this disperser is designed to deliver reliable performance across different volumes.

Applications of the Hi-Speed Lab Disperser

Phoenix Mixer’s disperser is widely used across multiple industries:

Paints & Coatings: Achieve consistent pigment dispersion for R&D and quality control.

Pharmaceuticals: Perfect for mixing ingredients for clinical and formulation testing.

Cosmetics & Personal Care: Create emulsions and pastes with consistent texture and stability.

Food & Beverage: Lab-scale preparation of sauces, beverages, and emulsions.

Chemicals: Blend and homogenize various chemical compositions safely and efficiently.

Advantages for R&D and Formulation Labs

The benefits of using a Hi-Speed Lab Disperser in laboratory settings include:

Shortened Testing Time: Rapid mixing translates to faster results.

Energy Efficiency: Consumes less power while delivering powerful results.

Easy Cleaning: Designed for quick disassembly and hassle-free cleaning between tests.

Portable and Flexible: Ideal for small-scale, on-demand lab setups.

With Phoenix Mixer, every unit is crafted with care, precision, and a deep understanding of real-world lab challenges. This makes it not only a machine but a reliable partner in your research process.

Why Choose Phoenix Mixer?

Phoenix Mixer has become a trusted name in the field of mixing and dispersing equipment. Our focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction ensures that our machines deliver superior performance across industries and applications.

When you choose Phoenix Mixer’s, you're investing in:

Top-tier engineering

Proven laboratory performance

Customizable options for your needs

Exceptional after-sales support

We understand that every lab has unique requirements, and that’s why we offer consultation, customization, and technical support every step of the way.

Visit: https://br.phoenixmixer.com/products/lab-equipments/high-speed-disperser/Contact:  +91 9145240124

[legacydiveexim01]

How to Source the Best Spices for the USA Market

Spices have always played a key role in the American food industry. From local restaurants and catering businesses to large-scale food manufacturers and health product companies, the demand for premium spices is rising every year. Whether you're in the retail, wholesale, or food production sector, finding the right spice suppliers and exporters can make a big difference in quality, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how businesses in the USA can source high-quality spices such as turmeric, cumin, cardamom, ginger powder, coriander seeds, and paprika. We’ll also look at why these are among the best spices for USA market demand and how to choose the right supply partners.

Why the USA Market Needs High-Quality Spices

The USA has a diverse population with culinary influences from all over the world—Indian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Asian, and more. This multicultural food culture drives the need for both common and exotic spices. As more people seek natural flavors, healthier food options, and unique dishes, spice usage continues to rise in both homes and commercial kitchens.

Let’s break down some of the most in-demand spices in the USA and what to look for in a reliable supplier or exporter.

1. Turmeric Supplier in USA

Turmeric is widely known for its bright yellow color and health benefits. It is used in cooking, health supplements, and cosmetic products. If you're looking for a turmeric supplier in USA, make sure the supplier offers product quality that is high in curcumin content, which is the compound responsible for its health benefits.

It's important that turmeric is well-dried, free from additives, and properly packaged to preserve freshness. A good supplier will also provide lab-tested results and certifications upon request.

2. Cumin Exporter in USA

Cumin seeds and cumin powder are staples in many kitchens across the USA. From taco seasonings to curries and rice dishes, cumin adds an earthy, warm taste that enhances the flavor profile of many recipes.

When choosing a cumin exporter in USA, businesses should ensure the seeds are machine-cleaned, moisture-controlled, and sourced from quality farms. Exporters must follow FDA and USDA import regulations to ensure product safety and compliance.

3. Cardamom Wholesale in USA

Cardamom is a premium spice often used in sweets, teas, baking, and aromatic dishes. Due to its high price point, businesses need reliable sources when buying in large volumes.

Getting cardamom wholesale in USA means working with suppliers who provide both green and black cardamom options. Green cardamom is more popular for its sweet, floral flavor, while black cardamom has a smoky, bold taste. Both varieties should be whole, aromatic, and stored in airtight containers to retain their fragrance.

4. Ginger Powder Supplier in USA

Ginger powder is a versatile spice used in baking, cooking, herbal teas, and health products. It is appreciated for its warm, spicy taste and its natural health-supporting properties.

A reliable ginger powder supplier in USA should offer fine, pure ginger powder that is free from fillers or preservatives. The powder should have a strong aroma and light beige color, indicating it’s made from fresh, well-dried ginger roots. Good suppliers will also offer packaging solutions to help retailers preserve freshness.

5. Coriander Seeds Wholesale in USA

Coriander seeds are a key ingredient in many spice blends, including curry powders, pickling mixes, and marinades. These seeds have a citrusy, nutty flavor that works well in both whole and ground form.

If you’re sourcing coriander seeds wholesale in USA, make sure they are uniform in size, free of foreign matter, and well-packaged. Wholesale suppliers should be able to deliver bulk quantities without compromising on quality, and some may even offer grinding or roasting services for added value.

6. Paprika Supplier in USA

Paprika is a powdered spice made from dried red peppers. It ranges in flavor from sweet to spicy and is often used to color and season meat, vegetables, and sauces.

When choosing a paprika supplier in USA, go for suppliers that offer different varieties such as sweet, hot, or smoked paprika. The color should be a rich, deep red, and the aroma should be strong and peppery. A consistent grind and no added colors or chemicals are also a must.

How to Choose the Right Supplier or Exporter

Here are some tips for finding trustworthy spice suppliers and exporters:

Quality Standards: Always check for food safety certifications, moisture content, purity, and freshness.

Packaging: Good packaging keeps spices fresh for a longer time. Look for air-tight, moisture-proof solutions.

Pricing: While quality matters, pricing should be competitive. Ask for quotations and compare multiple vendors.

Delivery Times: Timely delivery is critical for businesses. Check if the supplier can meet your schedule.

Customer Service: A supplier that responds quickly and helps you with product details builds long-term trust.

Meeting the Demands of the USA Market

To succeed in the spice trade in the United States, it’s important to understand what customers want. Clean-label products, organic spices, and chemical-free processing are all becoming important to modern consumers. This means your suppliers must align with these values too.

Selecting the best spices for USA market means choosing the right products based on usage trends. Turmeric, cumin, cardamom, ginger, coriander, and paprika all remain in high demand across food and wellness industries.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a food manufacturer, spice retailer, or health product brand, sourcing the right spices can boost your product quality and customer satisfaction. A strong network of spice exporters and suppliers is key to meeting consumer expectations and industry standards.

From selecting the finest turmeric supplier in USA to partnering with a trusted cumin exporter in USA, the choices you make now will shape your product offering. Don’t overlook the importance of high-quality cardamom wholesale in USA, ginger powder supplier in USA, coriander seeds wholesale in USA, and paprika supplier in USA. Each of these spices brings unique flavor and value to your business.

By choosing only the best-quality products and responsible suppliers, you can confidently serve your market and stand out in the competitive spice industry.

[sudarshangroup22]

Why Choose High-Purity Calcite Powder? Key Benefits for Manufacturers

In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, every detail counts — especially the quality of raw materials. From durability to product aesthetics, the components you choose play a big role in your success. And when it comes to mineral fillers, few can compete with the unmatched reliability of Calcite Powder for a wide range of industrial needs. Let’s break down why more manufacturers are opting for high-purity versions of this essential mineral and how it can add serious value to your operations.

Understanding Calcite Powder

Calcite is a naturally occurring form of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), commonly found in sedimentary rocks. Once mined, it undergoes crushing, screening, and fine grinding to produce calcite powder. This white, free-flowing powder is known for its purity, brightness, and controlled particle size.

Depending on the source and processing method, its purity can vary — and that’s exactly where the difference begins to matter.

The Role of Purity in Industrial Raw Materials

You might be thinking: does purity really make that much of a difference? The answer is a big yes. Impurities in raw materials often lead to inconsistent quality, operational inefficiencies, and higher production costs. In contrast, high-purity materials guarantee better results with fewer variables.

Low-grade calcite may be cheaper initially but often leads to machine blockages, poor product finish, and even end-user complaints. That’s why choosing high-purity calcite is a smart long-term investment.

Industries That Rely on High-Purity Calcite Powder

Many industries depend on this mineral to deliver consistent quality:

Plastics Manufacturing: Used as a filler to enhance rigidity and reduce production costs.

Paints & Coatings: Offers excellent dispersion and brightness.

Paper Industry: Helps in smooth surface finish and brightness.

Construction & Adhesives: Used in putty, cement, and tile adhesives.

Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics: Thanks to its non-toxic, pure form, it’s ideal for health-related applications.

Key Benefits of High-Purity Calcite Powder

Enhanced Brightness and Whiteness

In industries like paint, plastic, and paper, visual appeal is more than cosmetic—it’s critical. High-purity calcite powder gives products a clean, bright look. This brightness is a mark of quality, especially in high-end applications where the finish matters.

Improved Processing Efficiency

High-purity powders don’t clog machines or cause inconsistencies. They flow better, mix more uniformly, and reduce machine wear. The result? Fewer breakdowns and faster turnaround times on the production line.

Consistent Particle Size Distribution

Uniformity in particle size means you get consistent quality every time. This is vital in applications like plastics and coatings, where the finish, strength, and appearance depend on every particle doing its job.

Better Mechanical Properties in Final Products

Whether you're making high-impact plastic parts or durable coatings, high-purity calcite powder enhances the strength and resilience of the final product. Its uniform chemical and physical properties help maintain the integrity of your formulations.

Reduction in Production Costs

It might sound counterintuitive, but investing in high-quality raw materials often reduces overall costs. Less waste, fewer production errors, and less downtime all add up to improved profitability.

Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic Nature

Modern manufacturers are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint. High-purity calcite powder is a natural, non-toxic material that aligns perfectly with sustainability goals. It’s safe for workers, consumers, and the planet.

Why Manufacturers Prefer Sudarshan Group

Sudarshan Group has established itself as a premier name in the world of calcite processing. With decades of experience, the company offers a range of high-purity calcite powders tailored for specific industrial applications.

What makes them stand out?

Cutting-edge Processing Plants

Stringent Quality Control Systems

Technical Support and Customization Options

When you work with Sudarshan Group, you’re not just buying a product—you’re investing in peace of mind.

Choosing the Right Grade for Your Needs

Not all applications need the same grade of calcite. Factors like brightness, particle size, and moisture content will vary. Sudarshan Group offers expert consultation to help you pick the right grade, ensuring maximum ROI and product quality.

Conclusion

If you're serious about manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and long-term cost savings, high-purity calcite powder is a no-brainer. It’s more than just a filler—it’s a performance booster that touches every stage of your production process. And with a trusted supplier like Sudarshan Group, you can be confident that you’re getting the best value for your investment.

FAQs

1. What is the shelf life of calcite powder? Properly stored calcite powder can last for several years without losing quality, especially when kept in dry, sealed packaging.

2. Can high-purity calcite be used in food-grade applications? Only specific grades are approved for food use. Always check certifications before use in consumable products.

3. How is the purity of calcite powder measured? Purity is typically measured using chemical analysis, focusing on calcium carbonate content and the presence of trace impurities.

4. What packaging options are available? Sudarshan Group offers options including HDPE bags, jumbo bags, and moisture-proof liners to ensure safe transit and storage.

5. Why is Sudarshan Group a trusted name in this industry? Their advanced technology, consistent quality, and excellent client support make them a top choice for manufacturers across sectors.